Retractable stabilizer for watercraft

ABSTRACT

A user floatation system for boating safety is provided. The system includes a retractable stabilizer for use with a watercraft. The system includes a float system, coupled to a hull of the watercraft to stabilize the watercraft during use. The float system includes a float, a frame system and a float system. The frame system comprises frame members for coupling the frame system to a watercraft. The float rotating system operatively coupled to the frame system. The float rotating system includes a stabilizer arm coupled to a rotating support at one end thereof, and coupled to the float on an opposite end thereof. The float is moveable between the stored position and the deployed position in response to operation of the float rotating system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of the earlier U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/611,855, filed Feb. 2, 2015, which is a continuation of the earlier U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/156,279, filed Jun. 8, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,986, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. Oct. 14, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Copyright Reservation Notice

A PORTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE AND ORA WINGS OF THIS PATENT DOCUMENT AND APPENDICES CONTAIN MATERIAL THAT IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION. THE COPYRIGHT OWNER HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE FACSIMILE REPRODUCTION BY ANYONE OF THIS PATENT DOCUMENT OR THE PATENT DISCLOSURE, AS IT APPEARS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE PATENT FILES OR RECORDS, BUT OTHERWISE RESERVES ALL COPYRIGHTS WHATSOEVER.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to small boats and more particularly to outrigger stabilizers for a kayak or canoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Canoes and the covered version known as kayaks have been known for hundreds of years. The first canoes were made from wood and animal skins Kayaks were great for hunting in cold arctic waters. They were highly maneuverable and allowed their users to catch seals and walruses. Eventually, seal bladders were added to make them nearly unsinkable and hunting expeditions could last much longer if the kayak were fully provisioned.

Unfortunately, the very maneuverability of the kayak was also a weakness due to its instability. In the related art, it is well known that canoes or kayaks and other small watercraft are easily upset by sudden movement of an occupant or rough water in which waves hit against the boat side and can potentially tilt it over in an upsetting fashion. To counter the instability, it is known to attach outriggers as was common in Hawaii. While this improves stability, it greatly reduces the maneuverability so highly prized among kayak operators.

There is a need for a kayak type boat that maintains maneuverability yet is stable. Additionally, it is known that it requires many hours of practice to become an experienced boatman in a canoe or kayak.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Examples of related art similar to the present invention are described below, and the supported teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0069808: KAYAK OR CANOE OUTRIGGER STABILIZER, published Jun. 13, 2002 to HESSE, KENT D, discloses a small boat stabilizer is formed by a pair of elongated tubular buoys secured in laterally spaced parallel relation to respective end portions of the boat by spars extending transversely of respective ends of the boat and secured thereto by adapters.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0068436: WATERCRAFT STABILIZER, published Mar. 29, 2007 to PAGE, discloses a watercraft stabilizer assembly includes a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together and a plurality of floats received on the frame. At least one clamp secures the frame to a watercraft. The clamp comprises clamp members that are securable together such that the frame and a portion of the watercraft are held together between the clamp members.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0102063: ACCESSORY PLATFORM ASSEMBLY FOR A KAYAK, published May 18, 2006 to BOELRYK, discloses an accessory platform assembly for attachment to kayak. The assembly comprises attachment means for attaching the assembly to the deck of a kayak, a frame attached to the attachment means, the frame holding a platform and allowing the platform to be moved from a closed position to an open position whereby in the open position the deck of the kayak lying below the platform in the closed position is exposed. The assembly optionally includes an outrigger assembly comprising parallel arms attached at one end to the attachment means and having an outrigger floatation device attached to an opposite end of the arms spaced away from the kayak to provide increased stability to the kayak.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages. There does not exist a device or system that is retractably designed to first retain a user in an upright position to different levels of tipping, and to second be retractably stored in non-deployable position. The present invention, outlined with the accompanying figures, provides a device and apparatus that allows a kayak user to set different levels of tip ability during operation and to have a storing refracted position.

What is needed is a retractable stabilization system for kayaks that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the following specification and drawings about the illustrated embodiment(s).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available stabilizers. Accordingly, the present invention is a retractable stabilizer for watercraft. It comprises a frame that is secured to a kayak, canoe or other watercraft. The frame rotatably supports a rotating support rod that has a stabilizer attached to it. The stabilizer is rotated into a stabilizing position that greatly increases the stability of the kayak. The stabilizer can also be retracted to enable normal operation of the kayak. In one embodiment, a forward and rear stabilizer is utilized to provide greater stability for longer kayaks including two person embodiments. The present invention was developed to provide stability for a kayak, canoe or other watercraft, specifically to help a novice operator learn how to maneuver the vessel in a multiplicity of water conditions or circumstances by making the vessel less likely to tilt or capsize.

In another embodiment there is a user floatation system for boating safety. There is included in the system a boat, having a seat for a user, and a rear and forward section located behind and in front of the user respectively. There is also a flotation system, including float device, designed to be placed in the water on at least one side of the boat; and frame system, coupled to the boat at one end and to the float device at an opposite end, designed to hold the float device in a 1) deployed position where the float device is held in the water when a user is in the seat, and 2) partially deployed position where the float device is held a distance above the water level when a user is in the seat sufficient to enable the user to tip the boat a certain angle from a level position but to assist in preventing the boat from tipping completely over.

Yet, a further embodiment includes a user floatation system wherein the frame system has a stored position where the float device is held above the water a sufficient distance to allow the boat to tip completely over.

Additionally, another feature embodiment is where the frame system includes an extension portion, coupled between the boat and the float device, designed to enable a user to position the float device in a close and distant position relative to the user while in the seat; and an extension portion locking device, designed to releasably lock the extension portion in both the close and distant position while the user is in the seat.

Moreover, an additional embodiment is where the user floatation system is designed so that the boat is a kayak.

Additionally, the user floatation system embodiment may include the frame system to include a float device rotational coupling device, coupled between the frame system and the float device, designed to rotationally coupled the float device to the frame system, and to enable the float device to rotate about a longitudinal axis that is independent to the rotation of the boat along a boat longitudinal axis.

An additional embodiment may include a feature where the stored position of the frame system enables the float device to be held on top of the rear portion of the boat.

Other features may be where the stored position of the frame system enables the float device to be held in a position located on top of the forward portion of the boat.

Another embodiment includes a retractable stabilizer for use with a watercraft. The stabilizer comprises a float system coupled to a hull of the watercraft to stabilize the watercraft during use. The float system comprises a float; a frame system comprising frame members for coupling the frame system to a watercraft; and a float rotating system operatively coupled to the frame system, wherein the float rotating system comprises a stabilizer arm coupled to a rotating support at one end thereof, and coupled to the float on an opposite end thereof, wherein the float is moveable between the stored position and the deployed position in response to operation of the float rotating system.

Another embodiment includes a method of using a retractable stabilizer. The method comprises aligning a handle of a float rotating system with a stabilizer arm with a float of the retractable stabilizer in a stored position; moving the handle into an engaged position; rotating a float to a deployed position in response to rotating the handle in the engage position; moving the handle into the default position when the float is in the desired orientation; moving the handle into a disengaged position; and rotating the handle while in the disengaged position to rotate the handle to a stored position without rotating the float.

Another embodiment includes a method of using a retractable stabilizer. The method comprises moving the float rotating system into an unlocked position from a locked position; rotating a float to a deployed position from a stored position in response to rotating the handle; and moving the float rotating system into the locked position from the unlocked position.

A further embodiment includes a watercraft comprising a seat with a first horizontal orientation for a user to sit thereon; a hull, located below, behind and in front of the seat respectively, the hull having a top surface; and a float system, coupled to a hull of the watercraft to stabilize the watercraft during use. The float system comprises a float; a frame system comprising frame members for coupling the frame members to a watercraft; and a float rotating system operatively coupled to the frame system, wherein the float rotating system comprises a stabilizer arm coupled to a rotating support at one end thereof, and coupled to the float on an opposite end thereof, wherein the float is moveable between the stored position and the deployed position in response to operation of the float rotating system.

Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a kayak equipped with a retractable stabilizer according to an embodiment of the presently illustrated invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the kayak with a retractable stabilizer illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the kayak with retractable stabilizer having one stabilizer in an engaged position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the kayak with retractable stabilizer having both stabilizers in an engaged position.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a double kayak with duel retractable stabilizers shown in an engaged deployed position.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers, having both stabilizers locked in a horizontal position.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers, having both stabilizers locked in a slightly lower horizontal position.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers, having both stabilizers locked in a lower position, wherein stabilizers are in contact with the water.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers, having both stabilizers in the top folded or stored position.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers in the horizontal position.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the stabilizer position locking mechanism, and the stabilizer extension device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of retractable stabilizers in a stored position.

FIG. 13 is an end view of retractable stabilizers in a stored position.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of retractable stabilizers in a stored position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of retractable stabilizers in a deployed position.

FIG. 16 is an end view of retractable stabilizers in a deployed position.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of retractable stabilizers in a deployed position.

FIG. 18 is a side view handle of a float rotating device of a retractable stabilizer.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of retractable stabilizers in a stored position.

FIG. 20 is an end view of retractable stabilizers in a stored position.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of retractable stabilizers in a stored position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of retractable stabilizers in a deployed position.

FIG. 23 is an end view of retractable stabilizers in a deployed position.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of retractable stabilizers in a deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

As used herein, “and,” and grammatical equivalents thereof is intended to be inclusive or open-ended that does not mean that all of the elements in the list must be included. Specifically, the term “and” can be viewed as an equivalent of the commonly used phrase “and/or”, which is intended to create an unrestricted list of elements that may or may not require all of the elements to be included therein.

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

It is noted that reference is made to the particular wording of a “stabilizer” throughout the specification. This wording refers to a pontoon-like floatation device that is buoyant in water.

It is noted, because the rotatable stabilizer system is symmetric, only one side will be described in detail, and it is understood that there are at least two stabilizers that are identically designed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring now to the FIGS. 1 through 4, there is one embodiment of the illustrated embodiment that includes a rotatable stabilizer 110 that is shown attached to a kayak 105 with a stabilizer frame 130. The stabilizer frame 130 may be mounted to attachment blocks 140, which are attached to the kayak 105 using bolts or other suitable mounting systems such as rivets or screws. There is a stabilizer frame 130 that may have a pivot sleeve 120 attached to rotatably hold a rotating support assembly 117 (illustrated as a rod therein). Rotating support assembly 117 has a sliding support arm sleeve 135 attached to an end, to slidably support a sliding support arm 115. A stabilizer 110 is attached to the distal end of rotating support assembly 117 to rotate in place as needed.

Starting, in one embodiment, with the stabilizers 110 in a folded or stored position located on top of the kayak, a user may rotates the stabilizers 110 outward so

that the stabilizer 110 is positioned over the edge of the kayak 105. Next, the sliding support arm 115 may be moved back towards the kayak 1 05. In this configuration, as the stabilizer 110 is pushed upward by water pressure, sliding support arm 115 prevents it from rotating, thus stabilizing the kayak I 05.

To retract the stabilizers 110, in one embodiment, the process is reversed. The sliding support arms 115 are moved outward and then the stabilizers 110 are rotated to a retracted position. The length of the sliding support arm 115 may be varied to match a selected kayak or canoe. Additionally, a tie down such as hook and loop tie-down may be used (not shown) to secure the stabilizer 110 from moving while transporting the kayak 105.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a two person kayak 145 is shown having a rear stabilizer and a forward stabilizer attached. Operation is the same as discussed above. A person in the rear operates the rear stabilizer and the front person operates the front.

Optionally, it is possible to place one stabilizing unit in the front of a kayak (not shown) instead of in the rear as shown. Another option not shown is a single rotating support rod that connects the rear and front stabilizers so an appropriately equipped one person kayak may have a front and rear stabilizer that is operable by one person.

The stabilizer may be made of most any known material, like plastic, carbon fiber of other appropriate material. The frame may also be constructed of most any known material, like aluminum or other appropriate material such as PVC pipe.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention, starting with the stabilizers 110 in a folded or top position, a user rotates the stabilizers 110 outward so that the stabilizer 110 is positioned over the edge of the kayak 105. Next, the stabilizers are locked into their extended support position over the edge of the kayak 105, as detailed in the FIGS. 6 through 11. In this embodiment, it is intended that the positioning and locking of the stabilizer is done prior to launching the vessel in the water. Because the rotatable stabilizer 110 is symmetric, again, only one side will be described in detail with the understanding that there are at least two stabilizers, one stabilizer per side of the vessel.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate one embodiment where there are three different locked positions where the stabilizer 110 is position outside of the kayak 105. It would be understood by one skilled in the art that although the figures describe three extended stabilizer positions, and one retracted stabilizer position, where the stabilizer is in its folded or top position as shown in FIG. 9, these four positions that are described are only representative of one or several stabilizer positions.

In FIG. 6, there is one embodiment that illustrates that the stabilizer 110 may be rotated from the top position, as shown in FIG. 9, through an angle of approximately 180 degrees, indicated by the dotted arrow 170, to an essentially horizontal locked position.

In FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the stabilizer 110 is rotated from the top position through an angle of approximately 195 degrees, as indicated by the dotted arrow 172, to a lower than horizontal locked position.

In FIG. 8, the stabilizer 110, in one embodiment, is rotated from the top position through an angle of approximately 120 degrees, as indicated by the dotted arrow 174, to a much lower than horizontal locked position. The precise angle of rotation, of the stabilizer, from the top position into the extended positions is not critical. These figures merely illustrate that the stabilizers can be rotated from a top position and subsequently locked in a number of different rotatable extended positions.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the kayak 105, which is resting in the water 150, in one embodiment. The frame 130 is mounted to the top shroud of the kayak 105. In this figure, the stabilizers 110 have been rotated from their fully extended or deployed position, through an angle shown by the dashed arrow element 176, to their top position 155.

FIG. 10, is a top view of the kayak 105, in one embodiment. The front of the kayak is indicated by the directional arrow 192 and the rear of the kayak is indicated by the element 190. This figure provides detail as to the positioning of the frame 130 on the kayak 105. The frame 130 is configured such that it can be attached to the kayak and the construction therein does not interfere with the seat 182, or the storage compartment 180.

Also shown in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, there is illustrated the stabilizer 110, which is positioned in a horizontal extended position, as characterized in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 10, the stabilizer 110 is ridgedly attached to the mounting brackets 111 using bolts or other suitable mounting devices such as rivets or screws 109. At least two mounting brackets 111 are mounted to each stabilizer, in one embodiment. Optionally, the mounting brackets 111 could be integral with the stabilizer 110 or adhesively attached or welded to the stabilizer 110. The mounting brackets 111 are pivotably connected to the stabilizer support arm 215 by means of a connector pin 154. This pivotable connection allows the stabilizer 110 to pivot about the connector pin 154. The pivoting motion of the stabilizer 110 enables the stabilizer to remain parallel to the surface of the water 150.

FIG. 11 provides details for one embodiment of the stabilizer extension device. The stabilizer 110 is connected to the stabilizer support arm 215 (connection not shown in FIG. 11). In this embodiment the stabilizer support arm 215 is a tubular structure which is slidably connected to the arm base 214. The arm base 214 can slide into the stabilizer support arm 215 as indicated by the arrow 212. This sliding motion 212 allows one to increase or decrease the distance the between the stabilizer 110, and the side of the kayak 105. As the distance 216 is increased, the stability of the kayak may also increases.

A series of extension adjustment holes 208 are located on the end of the stabilizer support arm 215. In this embodiment of the invention, a detent style fastener is fixedly attached to the end of the arm base 214. The relative position of the stabilizer support arm 215 and the arm base 214 becomes locked when the detent fastener 21 0 synchronizes with an extension adjustment hole 208. The distance 216 can be adjusted by depressing the detent fastener 210 and sliding 212 the stabilizer support arm 215 to a new position and allowing the detent fastener to synchronize and lock with another extension adjustment hole 208. In this embodiment a detent fastener is used to lock the stabilizer support arm 215 and the arm base 214; however, it is anticipated that any number of fastening devices or suitable locking means, including but not limited to bolts, rivets, pins, screws, collets, clamps and clips, could be used to securely lock the stabilizer support arm to the arm base.

The arm base 214 is rigidly attached to the rotating support 117, such that a change in the height of the stabilizer creates an angular movement of the arm base 214, which in turn rotates the rotating support 117.

Also illustrated in FIG. 11 is the stabilizer position locking mechanism. In this embodiment of the invention, the rotating support 117 is sleeved by the non-rotating stabilizer frame 130. This sleeve allows the rotating support 117 to independently rotate within the stabilizer frame 130. The stabilizer frame 130 is rigidly mounted to attachment blocks 140 which are rigidly attached to the kayak 105 using bolts or other suitable mounting devices such as rivets or screws. The stabilizer frame 130, in one embodiment may be made of a tubular construction.

The stabilizer position locking mechanism is provided by a locking frame member 131. The locking frame member 131 may be tubular in construction, and would be rigidly attached to the kayak 105 using, for example, bolts or other suitable devices for securing it to the kayak 105. The distal end of the locking frame member 131, which sleeves and supports the rotating support 117 may have a series of frame positioning holes 197, 198 and 202. Corresponding positioning holes 196, 199, 203 are located in the rotating support 117. FIG. 11 shows a frame positioning hole 197 in alignment with a matching positioning hole 196. In this position, the stabilizer 110 is in the essentially horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

If the stabilizer 110 is lowered, which in turn rotates the rotating support 117, it brings the frame positioning hole 198 in alignment with the matching positioning hole 199. In this arrangement, the stabilizer 110 is in the lower than horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

If the stabilizer 110, on the other hand, is lowered to an alternative arrangement, shown in FIG. 8, the frame positioning hole 202 would be in alignment with the matching positioning hole 203.

In this embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism is illustrated as a bolt 204, which is placed in the two matching holes. In FIG. 11, the bolt 204 would be inserted in and securely fastened to the corresponding holes 197 and 196 by means of screwing or bolting in place with a nut. Because the locking frame member 131 is rigidly attached to the kayak 105, the rotating support 117 is restricted from any rotation, until such time that the bolt 204 is removed.

FIGS. 12-17 depict a retractable stabilizer for use with a watercraft. The stabilizer comprises a float system 500. The float system 500 includes a float 110, a float rotating system 300 and a frame system 400. The float system 500 may be coupled to a hull of the watercraft by the frame system 400 to stabilize the watercraft during use. The frame system 400 comprises frame members 120 and 130, wherein the frame members 120 and 130 may be hollow. The frame members 120 and 130 may be coupled in a rectilinear configuration. The frame system 400 may include bracket components 402 and 404 that may be coupled to the hull of a watercraft. On bracket component 402 may hold one frame member 130 and the other bracket component 404 may hold the other frame member 130, and bracket component 404 may include a clamp for securing the bracket member 130 within bracket component 404. The joint use of bracket components 402 and 404 provide a quick release mounting of the frame system 400 to the watercraft. A float rotating system 300 may be coupled to the frame system 400. The float rotating system 300 may include a stabilizer arm 310 and a rotating support 117. The stabilizer arm 310 may be coupled to a rotating support 117 at one end thereof, and coupled to the float 110 on an opposite end thereof. The float 110 is moveable between a stored position (see FIGS. 12-14) and a deployed position (see FIGS. 15-17). The float 110 is moveable between the stored position and the deployed position in response to operation of the float rotating system 300.

The float rotating system 300 comprises a rotatable handle 320 operatively coupled to a rotating support 117. The handle 320 is linearly moveable between an engaged position and disengaged position and the rotating support 117 is operatively coupled to the frame system 400 and moveable between a locked and unlocked position. The handle 320 operatively coupled to the rotating support 117 may be accomplished by the handle 320 releasably engaging the rotating support 117 through linear movement of the rotatable handle 320 along the rotating support 117. Rotation of the handle 320 when engaged with the rotating support 117 rotates the rotating support 117. The float 110 is moved between the stored position and the deployed position in response to rotating the handle 320 of the float rotating system 300.

The handle 320 in the disengaged position allows for free rotation of the handle 320 about the rotating support 117. The float rotating system 300 comprises a first spring 312, wherein the first spring 312 biases the handle 320 toward the engaged position with respect to the rotating support 117.

The rotating support 117 is moveable between the locked position and the unlocked position in response to moving a lock pin corresponding to a plurality of apertures 318 extending through a depth plate 316 of the float rotating system 300 between a locked position and unlocked position. The locked position is the lock pin extending into one aperture 318 of the plurality of apertures 318 and the unlocked position is not extending into any of the plurality of apertures 318.

The float rotating system 300 comprises a second spring 314, wherein the second spring 314 biases the lock pin toward a locked position. The lock pin is moved to the unlocked position in response to movement of the handle 320 in a first linear direction. The lock pin is moved to the locked position in response to movement of the handle 320 moving to a default position.

Referring further to FIG. 18, the float rotating system 300 comprises a handle 320 may include a handle lock 321. The handle lock 321 maintains the handle 300 in a fixed orientation with respect to the rotating support 117 when the handle 320 is in the engaged position. The handle lock 321 comprises lock member 324 having teeth 326 that correspond to teeth 322 on the handle 320, wherein linear movement of the handle 320 along the rotating support 117 to engage and compress first spring 312 disengages the teeth 321 of the handle 320 from the teeth 326 of the lock member 324 of the handle lock 321. When disengaged, the handle 320 may be freely rotated. The first spring 312 biases the handle 320 to be in engaged position, wherein the teeth 322 of the handle 320 are engaged with the teeth 326 of the lock member 324.

FIGS. 19-25 depict a retractable stabilizer for use with a watercraft. The stabilizer comprises a float system 500. The float system 500 includes a float 110, a float rotating system 300 and a frame system 400. The float system 500 may be coupled to a hull of the watercraft by the frame system 400 to stabilize the watercraft during use. The frame system 400 comprises frame members 120 and 130, wherein the frame members 120 and 130 may be hollow. The frame members 120 and 130 may be coupled in a rectilinear configuration. A float rotating system 300 may be coupled to the frame system 400. The float rotating system 300 may include a stabilizer arm 310 and a rotating support 117. The stabilizer arm 310 may be coupled to a rotating support 117 at one end thereof, and coupled to the float 110 on an opposite end thereof. The float 110 is moveable between a stored position (see FIGS. 19-21) and a deployed position (see FIGS. 22-24). The float 110 is moveable between the stored position and the deployed position in response to operation of the float rotating system 300.

The float rotating system 300 comprises a rotatable handle 320 operatively coupled to a rotating support 117. The handle 320 is operatively coupled to the rotating support 117 by being fixedly coupled to the rotating support 117 such that rotation of the handle results rotation of the rotating support 117. The float 110 is moved between the stored position and the deployed position in response to rotating the handle 320 of the float rotating system 300. This is accomplished at least because of the coupling of the stabilizer arm 310 to the rotating support 117, such that rotation of the rotating support 117 results in rotation of the float 110 about an axis of the rotating support 110. In other words, the axis of the rotating support 117 is the axis of rotation about which the float 110 rotates. In at least this way, the float 110 is moved between the stored position and the deployed position. Further, in at least this way, the float 110 is moved between the stored position and the deployed position in response to rotation of the handle 320.

Referring to FIG. 24, the rotating support 117 is moveable between the locked position and the unlocked position in response to moving a lock pin 330 corresponding to a plurality of apertures 318 extending through a depth plate 316 of the float rotating system 300 between a locked position and unlocked position. The locked position includes the lock pin 330 extending into one aperture 318 of the plurality of apertures 318 and the unlocked position includes the lock pin 330 not extending into any of the plurality of apertures 318.

The float rotating system 300 comprises a lock spring 315, wherein the lock spring 315 biases the float rotating system 300 toward a locked position wherein the float 110 is not locked from rotation about the rotating support 117. This may be accomplished by biasing the lock pin 330 toward a locked position. The lock pin 330 may be located on the stabilizer arm 310 adjacent the depth plate 316 and is moved to the unlocked position in response to movement of the handle 320 from a default linear position in a first linear direction. Movement of the handle 320 in the first linear direction moves the rotating support 117 and the stabilizer arm 310 in the first linear direction, and thereby moves the lock pin 330 out of one of the apertures 318 and into the unlocked position, allowing the handle 320, the rotating support 117 and the stabilizer arm to rotate in order to rotate the float 110. The lock pin 330 is moved to the locked position in response to movement of the handle 320 moving to the default linear position, wherein the lock pin 330 engages an aperture 318 of the depth plate 316.

The depth plate 316 may include a plurality of apertures 318. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 and 23, the depth plate 316 may be semicircular in shape, wherein the plurality of apertures are extending at approximately the same radial measure from a center of the semicircular shaped depth plate 316. One aperture 318 a may be located on an opposing end of the depth plate 316 and the remainder of the apertures 318 b, 318 c, 318 d and 318 e. Apertures 318 b, 318 c, 318 d and 318 e may be equally spaced from adjacent apertures. For example, aperture 318 c may be the same arc measure from apertures 318 b and 318 d and aperture 318 d may be the same arc measure from apertures 318 c and 318 e. Apertures 318 b, 318 c, 318 d and 318 e are located on an end of the depth plate furthest from the center of the frame system 400. Apertures 318 b, 318 c, 318 d and 318 e are located in a position that corresponds to the float being in a deployed position and the different locations of each of the apertures 318 b, 318 c, 318 d and 318 e corresponds to a different depth the float 110 extends within a body of water travelled by the watercraft.

Because lock spring 315 biases the lock pin 330 into the locked position with the lock pin 330 inserted within one of the apertures 318 a, 318 b, 318 c, 318 d, and 318 e, aligning the lock pin 330 with an aperture and releasing the handle 320 will move the handle 320 into the default linear position and the lock pin 330 into the locked position.

In another example, after moving the lock pin 330 into the unlocked position from aperture 318 a with the float 110 in the stored position and rotating the handle 320 until the lock pin 330 does not align with an aperture 118 a, a user may then allow the handle 320 to move toward the depth plate 316 by reducing the force applied to the handle in the first linear direction, wherein the lock pin 330 engages a surface of the depth plate. The user may then release all force in the first linear direction and rotate the handle 320 toward aperture 318 b. As the lock pin 330 is rotated to aperture 318 b, the lock pin 330 will eventually align with aperture 318 b and the lock spring 315 will force the lock pin 330 into the aperture 318 b, thereby locking the float at that particular depth. This may be repeated for each aperture 318 a, 318 b, 318 c, 318 d, and 318 e of the plurality of apertures 318. While the depth plate 316 is shown with five apertures extending there through, it is understood that any number of apertures may be included.

Accordingly, the components defining any retractable stabilizer for a watercraft may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a retractable stabilizer for a watercraft. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass) carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, the components defining any retractable stabilizer for a watercraft may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled together. However, any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. Other possible steps might include sand blasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing, hard anodizing, and/or painting the components for example.

Method and Operation of the Invention

In one embodiment, the purpose of the stabilizer assembly is threefold: (1) Provide a stabilizer assembly that can be easily installed/removed on a kayak, canoe or watercraft; (2) Provide adjustable levels of stabilization for a kayak, canoe or other type of watercraft, where the degree of stabilization can be adjusted for the situation and condition of the water; (3) Provide a training help or aid for an operator, learning to maneuver a kayak. This invention would assist the operator much like training wheels help a child learn how to ride a bike.

In another embodiment, when the vessel is being transported, the stabilizers would most likely be rotated to the top position as shown in FIG. 9. When a person is learning how to operate a kayak, the highest level of stability is desirable. Thus, the person would extend the stabilizer to the maximum length and then adjust the stabilizers to the “much lower than horizontal” position, as shown in FIG. 8. The angle of tilt for the craft is essentially limited zero “0” degrees as shown by element 157.

As the operator becomes more familiar with the craft and more adept at operating it in turbulent waters, the stabilizers could be retracted and elevated, as shown in FIG. 7. Thus the angle of tilt for the craft is increased, as shown in element 156. This greater tilt gives the operator a more realistic feel for the craft and for the general operating conditions.

As the skill of the operator becomes greater, the stabilizers can be further retracted and elevated, such as a maximum essentially horizontal position, which is illustrated in FIG. 6. Here the angle of tilt for the craft is increased even more, as shown in element 155. In this position, the operator gets a true or almost realistic feel of the craft; however, in this position, the craft would tilt but it would resist capsizing.

Once the operator become adept in all phases of the craft, the stabilizer assembly could be easily removed, much like removing training wheels from a bike.

There are many advantages that are realized by the retractable stabilizer system of the illustrated embodiments of the invention that are not taught by the known prior art. One skilled in the art will realize the benefits that are afforded the novice or beginning kayaker, or for fisherman that wants to stand in the kayak while fishing.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of using a retractable stabilizer, the method comprises aligning a handle of a float rotating system with a stabilizer arm with a float of the retractable stabilizer in a stored position; moving the handle into an engaged position; rotating a float to a deployed position in response to rotating the handle in the engage position; moving the handle into the default position when the float is in the desired orientation; moving the handle into a disengaged position; and rotating the handle while in the disengaged position to rotate the handle to a stored position without rotating the float.

The method may include moving the handle into the engaged position automatically moves a lock pin of the float rotating system from a locked position to an unlocked position. Moving the handle from the engaged position to the default position automatically moves the lock pin from the unlocked position to the locked position. Moving the lock pin between the locked position and unlocked position includes moving the lock pin between engagement and disengagement with any of the plurality of apertures of a depth plate of a frame system of the retractable stabilizer.

The method further comprises moving the handle into the disengaged position; and rotate the handle until it is aligned with the stabilizer arm when the float is in the deployed position. Additionally, the method includes moving the handle into the engaged position; and rotating the float into the stored position in response to rotating the handle. Further still, the method includes moving the handle into the disengaged position; and rotate the handle while in the disengaged position to rotate the handle to a stored position without rotating the float.

Embodiments of the present invention may include another method of using a retractable stabilizer. The method comprises moving the float rotating system into an unlocked position from a locked position; rotating a float to a deployed position from a stored position in response to rotating the handle; and moving the float rotating system into the locked position from the unlocked position.

The step of moving the float rotating system into the unlocked position from the locked position may comprise moving a lock pin of the float rotating system from a locked position to an unlocked position. Further, the step of moving the float rotating system into the locked position from the unlocked position may comprise moving the lock pin from the unlocked position to the locked position.

In the method, moving the lock pin between the locked position and unlocked position includes moving the lock pin between engagement and disengagement with any of the plurality of apertures of a depth plate of float rotating system.

The method may further comprise adjusting the depth a float of the retractable stabilizer extends within a body of water travelled by a watercraft the retractable stabilizer is coupled to in response to engaging the lock pin within a different aperture of the plurality of apertures of the depth plate.

The method may also comprise moving the float rotating system into the unlocked position from the locked position; rotating a float to the stored position from the deployed position in response to rotating the handle; and moving the float rotating system into the locked position from the unlocked position.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the reference has been made to kayaks throughout the specification, one skilled in the art will realize after reading the specification in light of the illustrated embodiment, there are other uses for the illustrated embodiments of the invention. Specifically, the same device would be adaptable to other vessels, like canoes, row boats, wave runners, ski boats, fishing boats, etc.

It is further noted that the structural elements of the illustrated embodiments may be made of most any material. For example, the material of the frame may be made of aluminum, fiber glass, plastics, ceramics, wood, etc. Additionally, the material for the stabilizers may be made hollow or solid, made of foam, wood, aluminum, plastic, fiber glass, etc.

Although the frame of the illustrated embodiment is illustrated to have a certain number of parts and shapes, any number of parts and shapes is considered to be within the scope of the presently illustrated embodiments. For example, sheets of material could be used instead of tubes. Any number of tubes could be used for increased supports.

Moreover, although the floats are illustrated to store above the surface level of the kayak, one skilled in the art could easily modify the illustrated embodiment. For example, the floats could be positioned below the top surface of the kayak by having recessed cavities built within the top of the kayak.

Another modification to the illustrated embodiment includes forming the entire structure integral with the kayak. For example, key features of the frame could be molded into the kayak. Wherein, the parts located on top of the. kayak could be molded into the walls or be internally portioned inside the kayak. The tubes or sheets of material could also be more conformal to the kayak or boat.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein. 

1. A retractable stabilizer for use with a watercraft, the stabilizer comprising: a float system, coupled to a hull of the watercraft to stabilize the watercraft during use, the float system comprising: a float; a frame system comprising frame members for coupling the frame system to a watercraft; and a float rotating system operatively coupled to the frame system, wherein the float rotating system comprises a stabilizer arm coupled to a rotating support at one end thereof, and coupled to the float on an opposite end thereof, wherein the float is moveable between the stored position and the deployed position in response to operation of the float rotating system.
 2. The stabilizer of claim 1, wherein the float rotating system comprises a rotatable handle operatively coupled to a rotating support.
 3. The stabilizer of claim 2, wherein the rotation of the handle rotates the rotating support.
 4. The stabilizer of claim 3, wherein the float is moved between the stored position and the deployed position in response to rotating the rotating support of the float rotating system.
 5. The stabilizer of claim 3, wherein the float rotating system further comprising a lock pin coupled to the stabilizer arm and a depth plate coupled to a frame member of the frame system, wherein depth plate comprises a plurality of apertures extending through the depth plate the lock pin is configured to be removably inserted within any of the plurality of apertures.
 6. The stabilizer of claim 5, wherein the float rotating system comprises a lock spring, wherein the lock spring biases the float rotating system toward a locked position.
 7. The stabilizer of claim 6, wherein the float rotating system is moveable between the locked position and the unlocked position in response to moving the lock pin between a locked position wherein the lock pin extends into one aperture of the plurality of apertures and the unlocked position wherein the lock pin is does not extend into any of the plurality of apertures.
 8. The stabilizer of claim 7, wherein the lock pin is moved to the unlocked position in response to movement of the handle from a default linear position in a first linear direction.
 9. The stabilizer of claim 8, wherein the lock pin is moved to the locked position in response to movement of the handle to the default linear position.
 10. The stabilizer of claim 5, wherein the depth plate is a semicircular shape.
 11. The stabilizer of claim 10, wherein one aperture of the plurality of apertures of the depth plate is located on one end of the depth plate and the remainder of the apertures of the plurality of apertures is located on an opposing end.
 12. The stabilizer of claim 11, wherein the one aperture located on one end of the depth plate corresponds to the float in the stored position, and the remainder of the apertures of the plurality of apertures corresponds to the deployed position, wherein each of the remainder of apertures corresponds to a different depth the float extends within a body of water travelled by the watercraft.
 13. A method of using a retractable stabilizer, the method comprising: moving the float rotating system into an unlocked position from a locked position; rotating a float to a deployed position from a stored position in response to rotating the handle; and moving the float rotating system into the locked position from the unlocked position.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein moving the float rotating system into the unlocked position from the locked position comprises moving a lock pin of the float rotating system from a locked position to an unlocked position.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein moving the float rotating system into the locked position from the unlocked position comprises moving the lock pin from the unlocked position to the locked position.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the lock pin between the locked position and unlocked position includes moving the lock pin between engagement and disengagement with any of the plurality of apertures of a depth plate of float rotating system.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting the depth a float of the retractable stabilizer extends within a body of water travelled by a watercraft the retractable stabilizer is coupled to in response to engaging the lock pin within a different aperture of the plurality of apertures of the depth plate.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising moving the float rotating system into the unlocked position from the locked position; and rotating a float to the stored position from the deployed position in response to rotating the handle.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising moving the float rotating system into the locked position from the unlocked position.
 20. A watercraft comprising: a seat with a first horizontal orientation for a user to sit thereon; a hull, located below, behind and in front of the seat respectively, the hull having a top surface; and a float system, coupled to a hull of the watercraft to stabilize the watercraft during use, the float system comprising: a float; a frame system comprising frame members for coupling the frame members to a watercraft; and a float rotating system operatively coupled to the frame system, wherein the float rotating system comprises a stabilizer arm coupled to a rotating support at one end thereof, and coupled to the float on an opposite end thereof, wherein the float is moveable between the stored position and the deployed position in response to operation of the float rotating system. 